India's Rahul Dravid Retires From International Cricket

Thirty-nine year old Indian batsman Rahul Dravid has called time on a long and illustrious international career with immediate effect saying his decision leaves him sad but he is proud of what he has achieved.

Dravid played in 164 Tests since he made his debut back in 1996 and went on to score a staggering 13,228 runs helped along the way by 38 centuries. Dravid is second only to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in terms of runs scored. He was also an immense fielder who hold the world record for the number of outfield catches at 210.

Talking at a well-attended press conference in Bangalore Dravid said, "It's time to move on. once I was like every other boy in India with a dream to play for my country. I have had a wonderful time. Now it's time for a new generation of young players to take it forward and make history. It was about playing with dignity, upholding the spirit of the gam. I have tried my best. I leave with sadness but also with pride."

Dravid retired from one-day cricket in September 2011 having score 10,889 runs from 344 matches and said he began to consider his retirement after the 4-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia.

"I felt it was the right time for me to move on. I have had a glorious run. I knew deep down the time was right. I was happy and comfortable in what I had achieved and done."

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